Hello there internet! Journeymen here with another chapter of The Paladin's Game! Now as many of you who looked at my other work know, I have decided put up a new poll for a new story with one of the choices that being the rewrite for the The Power in the Arc series. For all of those who will want to see the first chapter of the rewrite, along with the other stories in the poll, you can come by next week on Sunday and get a sneak peak at what it looks like. Now these 'Test Chapters' I think I'm going to call them, are going to be released every Sunday for the next couple of weeks. With the last chapter posted on there being the day the poll ends. I will also be giving an updated list at the end of this chapter. With that being said, hope you all have a Great Thanksgiving! (And to all those who don't just great Thursday). And let's get right into shall we?
Beta: Soda-fiedPyscho (Hello! - S)
Cover Art:
Comment of the week goes to… Tsuyo no seishin: I must thank you good sir for having me reevaluate my experience point system. I must agree that there is a problem with it, so I shall be getting to fixing that… Right now! (Wowza! - S)
Honorable Mentions:
Avidreaded: You know I might just do that, don't want to trick you guys with thinking you're getting a long chapter when really it's just a bunch of numbers. It had caused me to drop a lot of gamers stories in the past and I'm trying to limit it here. (Thanks Avid - S)
Remzal Von Enili: Yes! He shall be my mighty steed and we shall ride into battle together! (OORAH! -S)
DarkSolaris57: You give a valid complaint and it originally bugged me too before I decided to well...write it. But I got to say from my perspective at least, it's actually a really great thing. It opens up a ton of avenues for character interaction and development. Plus I can put Jaune through so much tourt- *Cough* F-fun! I meant fun! Yeah…. Moving on! (Hehehehe.. - S)
I do not own RWBY or anything else made by Roosterteeth… (Sadly. - S)
Please don't let there be any loose floorboards. Please don't let there be any loose floorboards. I mentally pleaded as I tiptoed across the room, trying to avoid making as little noise as possible, lest I awaken one of the two beasts that claim themselves to be my teammates. Little did they know I had seven sisters growing up, and you did not wake them up early unless you had full armor and a squad of highly trained soldiers with their aura unlocked. Even then there would be heavy casualties.
Opening the bathroom door was probably my biggest challenge yet however. Seeing as how that thing loved to make noise. But my shitty luck was on my side for now as there was no creaking to come from the door. Which let me breath a sigh of relief as I closed it as swiftly and quietly as I could. Letting my body relax against the door. I had told them that I had managed to get a night job so that I could some extra money on the side.
This conveniently gave me a excuse to going out late at night. And I didn't lie either sense I did actually get a job, though I made sure to keep the details on what I do to a minimum. As far as they know I just worked as some extra security for some local business that doesn't want to get robbed. If I got my way it will they will continue to think like that, can't let people know about my soon to be vigilante work after all. Speaking of which I was going to need a name, a secret identity for..my...secret identity. Huh, that sounds weird. But anyway what should I call myself? Maybe something like the Arcanator! No that was too dumb. The Lion's Sun? That sounded cool, plus kept with the whole lion faunus theme. Yeah, I think I'm going to go with that. Look out world! The Lion's Sun is coming!
But first I need to shower. Hunting grimm is quite exhausting after all. Seeing as how the game left me to undergo another update as soon as I stepped into Beacon. Which also left me with quite hungry. So I would have to go the cafeteria to find some food later. Probably after this shower and then it was off to bed to get some sleep.
Because I haven't really gotten that much sleep the past two nights, which my body really wanted to let me know about that. But that could be staved off a little longer as I stripped and walked into the shower. Turning on the hot water and feeling at least some of my exhaustion ebb away. But it wasn't until I was done cleaning myself that I felt my exhaustion leave my body. Which was followed by the appearance of a blue screen.
Update Completed! Gamer functions restored! Experience system fixed. There were now be a 50% increase to the amount of experience you need for each level. Can now see Lien amount in your stats instead of having to go into your inventory. Also fixed some minor bugs.
Wait, what was wrong with the experience system? I found no problem with it.
You would be able to level up faster later in the game then you can right now.
And that is bad because?
Because that would lead to a glitch, and you do not want one of those. Trust me.
What's so bad about a glitch? They can be really fun! When they don't break the game that is. Unless they break it in your favor, then it comes around to being fun again.
Well I imagine your whole body, seizing in pain and all your motor functions shutting down would not be what you considered fun. Though with you, I could be wrong.
I winced at the discretion of what a glitch could do to me. That did not sound fun. Though I should see how much exp I needed to level up now. Open Stats.
Jaune Arc
Class: Paladin
Main Title: The Pretender
Sub-title: Acolyte of Light
Level 28
Exp: 0/3900
Lien: 4820
HP: 5900/5900
AP: 3200/3200
SP: 905/905
Str: 28 (39)
Dex: 32 (40)
Vig: 64 (112)
Int: 50 (70)
Wis: 34 (43)
Luck: 1 (.75) (You need to be luckier. I'm going to laugh at your pain - S)
Chr: 50 (88)
Sap: 100
Skill Points: 7
Looking over at my Sap I smiled sadly. As I knew that it would probably take a while for me to get such high numbers in it again, but that would just mean that I would have to play it smart for a while. Though, seeing as how I'm in no immediate danger, it's time to resort to the good old formula I set up for myself. I should also look into some more skills to purchase. It's always nice to expand my repertoire after all. So, after a few minutes of point distribution I looked at my new screen in satisfaction while I felt the rush of new power come into me.
Jaune Arc
Class: Paladin
Main Title: The Pretender
Sub-title: Acolyte of Light
Level 28
Exp: 0/3900
HP: 9200/9200
AP: 4200/4200
SP: 1095/1095
Str: 40 (58)
Dex: 44 (55)
Vig: 92 (166)
Int: 62 (90)
Wis: 46 (58)
Luck: 1 (.75) (Still going to laugh at your pain - S)
Chr: 74 (137)
Sap: 4
Skill Points: 7
Nodding my head in satisfaction and a little fear at that S thing laughing at my pain, I then took a look at any new skills that might have suited my fancy. At the moment there was I really didn't have that many skill tree open to me. Only six in total actually.
There was Anima, Praeliator, Sanctus, Medela, Umbra, and Defensor. Why they had weird names I didn't know, but I was able to figure out which one was which by looking at the skills they had. Defensor had defensive skills and even the name kinda gave it away to what it was to, so that one wasn't hard to figure out. Umbra was a little harder but I was able to discern that it mostly had to due with my stealth. Sanctus and Medela however were the hardest two to figure out just because of the fact that they were so similar. Both obviously came from my Paladin, but it seemed that Sanctus dealt with the more combative side with my class while Medela was more about buffs and passive skills. Praeliator dealt with just straight combat and finally there was Anima which was the easiest skill to decerin. The reason for that was because that Aura was the first skill unlocked for it. So yeah, not hard to tell what that was for. And speaking of my Aura skill, I noticed that right above its box there was some white lettering telling it was Rank: 1 out of 5 whatever that meant. Though I was sure the game was going to explain it soon.
There are certain skills that don't level up normally and instead need a skill point to increase their Rank. Such skills include Aura, Haggling, Crafting Basic Wares, Sneak and Decipher. And with the update, all skills that require skill points will now say Rank instead of level. Also take note, that some skills require more than just a skill point to increase their rank. Think of those things as like side-side quests.
Alright, cool thanks game! Getting a thumbs up emoji as a reply. I looked back at my Aura skill and indeed as the game said. It now had said Rank instead of level. And I clicked on the skill, and to my minor shock a blue screen popped up.
To increase your Aura Rank, you must spend 2 skill points. Is that okay with you?
Y/N?
Looking at the screen with some hesitation. I waited to think for a moment about it.
While increasing my Aura skill would definitely be worth it, did I really want to spend two points on it? I mean that's at least four levels right there which is something that will much harder to get now that my experience to level up has been fixed. Well I just guess that means I would have to be much more careful with my skill points. With that being said, I do think that upgrading my Aura could be very much beneficial. So it was with some hesitance that I clicked the yes button. And in response my Aura shimmered as I felt my body become stronger than ever before.
Congratulations! Your Aura skill has increased to Rank 2! Increasing your Aura Rank has unlocked layer 1 of the Anima skill tree!
Aura (Rank 2)- Get a 50% Bonus to all stats
At that moment I was glad that I wasn't drinking because if I was I would have done a spit tank at words on my screen. So instead I had to settle with just standing in my bathroom with a dumbfounded expression on my face. Though I was able to ward that off two once the prospect of new skills finally reached my brain. And just like the game said, where there was once dulled boxes there was now skills that I could unlock. But before I went crazy and tried to buy all of them. I remembered the limited amount of skill points I had. So with that little extra bit of soberness I looked at each skill carefully.
There was five boxes in total one for each of my skills if I wanted to get all of them. But I wasn't so sure if I did. So I looked at all five skills that were in front of me. First was Aura Enhanced Strikes, which let all my attacks deal ten percent more damage. Then there was Aura Projection, which was basically what it sounded like. After that was Harden, which would allow me to boost my defense temporarily. Also there was Shockwave, which just let me stun people with my aura by pushing it outward. And finally there was Meditation, which was actually a very good way for me to reagan AP without sleeping. So which one should I pick?
They all seem to have their uses. I could already see the potential Shockwave could give me. Whether it be allowing a split second advantage with me stunning my opponent or for disengaging from people when I needed to. Plus it did some damage to boot but it was still restricted. Where Aura Projection was definitely the most versatile of the entire group there was also Meditation which while not useful combat wise was certainly going to be a nice to have when and if I have to rest between fights. I couldn't cut out Aura Enhanced Strikes or Harden either. Ughh! Why does this have to be so hard! I screamed mentally while scratching my wet head in frustration.
It was then I realized that I have been standing in the shower with nothing but a towel wrapped around my waist for the past fifteen minutes. Okay, get changed. Go to the cafeteria get something to eat. Then decided. Maybe should get some coffee to. See if it gives any benefits like other food. With a new plan set in motion I quickly requiped my automatically cleaned clothes, yet another perk of the game. After that was all done I set off to the cafeteria, making sure to be as quiet as possible as I left the dorm room and headed off.
Upon entering the completely dead and dark cafeteria, I stumbled about until I reached the kitchen. There I started making a pot of Vacuo brewed coffee, the best god damn coffee around. And no one could tell me otherwise. While that was going on, I grabbed a couple eggs and some other ingredients and started to make an omelette. "Mr. Arc I see you are up early again?" Came the inquiring if not the slightly embarrassed voice of Ms. Goodwich.
I turned behind me suddenly fully expecting to see Glynda looking at me through the doorway. "Gah! Professor what are….uhh where are you?" I asked as the professor was nowhere in sight.
So imagine my surprise when I heard a sigh coming from behind the doorway . "I was not prepared for one of my students being up this early. Thus I am still in my nightwear." She explained, as I fought back the thought of Glynda in some sexy nightwear with a ten foot pole. And I was losing that battle. Damn hormones. Lucky me, Glynda's voice was there to cut those thoughts in the bud. "I assure you Mr. Arc, it is nothing that… raunchy. And before you say you weren't thinking that, I am aware how boys your age are with their hormones. It's honestly surprising we don't have a epidemic of teenage pregnancies in this school." She said that last part under her breath and with what sounded like a little bit of awe in her voice. And I to had to find myself impressed with the fact myself. I mean, why would you put a bunch of hormonal tenagers toghether like that. Especially when they're all basically supermodels and you have both genders sleeping in the same room. There was no logic in that.
Hey, it's more fodder for the cannons.
That is incredibly dark and I refuse to accept that being the reason. But besides that dark thought. I chuckled silently as I turned away from the door. "I won't look so you can go and leave professor. And if you decided to come back there will be an extra omelette and coffee for you." I said, and I got no answer in response.
Only the sound of a door closing, but I was a man of my word so after I was done making the first omelette. I poured a cup of coffee and left it on the counter near the cream and sugar. And I quickly followed up by making my own omelette, putting it and my own cup of coffee with two creams and one sugar on the counter before hopping up and taking a seat, ready to dig into my meal. Of course it was then that Glynda walked.
Now wearing her usual attire. "My I ask why you are sitting on the counter?" She asked with a raised eyebrow and a impatient tapping of her foot.
"Hehe, uuuh cause there are no chairs? And the cafeteria is really cold right now. " I defended weakly hoping she wouldn't send me to the cold cafeteria. It seemed I was in luck as she sighed and used her semblance to lift me off the counter while also using her semblance to put in three sugars into her coffee.
"Very well, you can come with me and eat in the teachers lounge. I'm sure the others won't mind and I do owe you for making me breakfast." She said as she telekinetically called her coffee to her.
Taking a sip with a content sigh. "Wait, the other teachers are awake?" I asked, actually quite shocked.
Glynda just nodded. "Yes, we usually have to wake up around these times. We usually spend this time preparing the days lesson. Or in this case, tomorrow's since it is still the weekend after all. Speaking of which, why are you up so early?" She asked with a puzzled expression as she grabbed her plate.
I just shrugged as I grabbed my own food. "Kinda just woke up early. And decided since I'm already up might as well get started on my day. Planning to get some training later, if you are open." I explained. Glynda nodding her head to answer the last part.
Then suddenly a thought occurred to me as I followed her to the teachers lounge. "So professor, you said that you weren't expecting me and that was why you were in your Pj's correct?" I asked and she nodded once again as she opened the door. "Does that mean the other teachers are also-" I didn't finish as I stepped in the teachers lounge. In there was various teachers all in there sleep wear. But what was most scarring was the fact that there was Professor Port chewing on a muffin. In nothing but a wife beater and sweatpants.
Oh god the moobs! There the biggest I've ever seen! I...c-can't look away! (I can. I'm quite happy about it, too. - S)
"Jaune my boy! What are you doing here?" The portly professor asked though because of muffin in his mouth it had come out as, "Jwan me bwy! Huat re wou doing cere?" Thank you decipher.
"I invited him seeing as how the boy was in the kitchen already awake making breakfast. And after we eat he plans to go to the arena and train. With my supervision of course. Is that alright with you?" She asked, and port nodded and was about to say something when Glynda closed his mouth with her semblance. "Please swallow before you eat." She exasperated and he complied.
As I heard a loud almost comical gulp go down his throat. "My apologies. Of course I'm fine with it. How about you Bart?" He asked the green haired professor who was sitting next to him looking like a zombie.
"Guhhh." He moaned in reply, not even bothering to lift his head off from the table.
"Umm, are you alright professor?" I asked with concern. And he just turned his head and moaned something I couldn't hear. And thus I couldn't decipher.
Looking to Port for answers the man just laughs lightly as he makes room for Glynda to take a seat next to him. "Ah, don't worry child. It's just that the coffee machine in the lounge broke. So he isn't 100% right now." The professor explained taking another bite from his muffin.
I looked down at my coffee before mentally sighing. Looks like I will have to find out what you do another day. "Her, professor if you want you can have my coffee. I don't really-" I wasn't allowed to finish as gust of wind so powerful blew past me and turned me into a ballerina for about three seconds before I came to a stop. Only to notice the lack of a coffee mug in my hands, and a now energized professor who was drinking down my coffee like he was man in the desert who just came across an oasis.
He then placed the now empty mug down and gave a content sigh as he looked at me. "I thank you Mr Arc. Also, it's doctor by the way." He said, before he zipped by and came back with a new mug filled with coffee as well as a stack of papers. Looking at the sudden change with some bewilderment. I eventually decided to go with it and take a seat at the table and cut into my omelette. Taking a bite and receiving a blue screen in return.
You have gained +20 max HP and SP and a 5% boost to SP regen for 3 hours.
Smiling to myself I ate my omelette with a polite haste. Not wanting to look like a slob in front of the teachers. Not to say I did in front of my friends. At least I hope not, but it was never a bad idea to be too careful.
After finishing the plate I then looked over to Glynda only to see that she had finished eating to. Offering to take her plate, to which she accepted with a thank you, I threw the plastic plates into a nearby garbage can. And looked to Glynda who gave a nod before heading off with me to the arena.
While I was on the way there I decided to spend my point on getting Shockwave. With the other skill trees barring Umbra being much simpler to choose seeing as how I still needed to unlock their first skills in their respective trees. After spending four points, I decided not to place anything into Umbra so I could have one in case I need it. I unlocked the first skills in each tree. Receiving there respective blue screens.
Congratulations! You have unlocked the skill Divine Power! Congratulations! You have unlocked the skill Second Wind! Congratulations you have unlocked the skill Toughness! Congratulations! You have unlocked the skill Healer's Power! Congratulations you have unlocked the skill Shockwave!
Divine Power (Rank 1)- I got the power! (All attacks now do an extra 10% holy damage)
Second Wind (Rank 1)- Now all you need is a third and fourth wind. (When you get below half HP and/or SP you gain 20% back to each state)
Toughness (Rank 1)- Ha! Your attacks feel like pebbles. (+10% Vig)
Healer's Power (Rank 1)- I got the power-Shit I already did that one… I have the power! (Healing spells heal 10% more)
Shockwave (Rank 1)- FUS RO DAH! No that doesn't sound right? Um force push? No...(Send out a Shockwave that can temporarily stun opponents. And deal a small amount of damage) [50 AP More if you charge it]
Entering the arena. I waited until Glynda walked up to her podium to equip my sword. "So, do you have any obstacle courses planned for me today?" I ask, and I get what sounds like a snort of amusement from Glynda.
"None of that today Mr. Arc just pure combat training. Unless of course you want to go threw the course again?" She asks in a joking matter.
I shake my head. "No, I think i'm fine with bots today. Got some new things I want to test out." I said as I did some stretches. And while I didn't actually need to do those things. It just felt right.
I didn't hear anything from Glynda except for the tapping of buttons as three robots appeared from the ground. "Begin!" She shouted and the robots instantly came to life.
There heads snapping up as two of the droids deployed blade arms and charged at me while the third held back and brought out rifle and began to try and give supporting fire. I responded by holding up my shield to block the bullets, and when the first bot came close to me. I unleashed an uncharged Shockwave at it. Watching as an invisible force pushed the robot back and caused it to stumble. Giving me just enough time to parry the second bot before stabbing the blade into it's gut.
Hitting a 'kill point' as it was called caused the robot shut down. The other two bots were undeterred by this and as the rifle bot continued to pelt me with bullets, which forced me to raise my shield as I walked slowly towards it, this turned out to be a mistake as the second bot came barreling into me. Cutting into my side making me wince as it wrapped it's arm around me trying to tackle me, but I had other plans as I elbowed the bot in the back of the head. I did it three times before I realized it wasn't working and it was about to bring me down. So instead of letting that happen I charged up a shockwave for about 5 seconds before unleashing the blast near one it's shoulders.
Blasting it back and also giving the added bonus of removing one it's arms from the equation. Though, it was far from done as it tried to prove by charging at me once again, his friend giving supporting fire forcing me to block the bullets with my shield. The charging bot then tried to charge at me before strafing for the right. But I wasn't going to let it cause as soon as it came in range, I used Sundering Strike on the ground in front of it. This had the effect of causing an explosion to knock it back and admittedly me as well, but thanks to my Dex I was able to make a rather impressive twirl in the air so that I landed on my feet. This had me landing right next to the rifle bot too, neat. Before it could even react I decapitate the bot, letting the metal body flop to the floor.
Leaving it just me and the one armed bot. Because I was feeling just the extra bit cocky today. I gestured it to come closer with my hand. And to my surprise, the thing beeped in response. Did? Did I just successfully taunt a robot? I asked myself. But there was no time for questions as I prepared a Divine Smite as the robot charged towards me. And it went for a overhead slash, but just like the first bot. A quick Parry and it was done for as I stabbed into it's stomach ending the warm up.
Congratulations! Taunt has increased by 1! Affiliation with Glynda has increased by 1!
Closing the blue screen. I looked to Glynda. "That was a nice warm up. What's next?" I asked, and Glynda smiled at me. "Well done Mr. Arc! It seems you have grown since yesterday! Perhaps I should upgrade the bots to the next level?" She asked and I nodded my head in excitement. This is going to be great!
You really got to stop jinxing yourself like that. (I said before. I'm going to laugh at your pain. - S)
Things, things were not great. As it turns out that they were on the most basic level. Which meant they were programmed to be as about as strong as your average bandit. However the level above that jumped from bandit to first year huntsman in training. And coupled that with the fact that the amount of enemies I had were doubled, it really didn't work out for me.
On the bright side I got like five levels in my sword and shield mastery. The downside is that there exp modifiers were also 'fixed' so now that also meant that it would get harder to level up those skills as well. But at least their exp bars were also shown now. So silver linings in all of that.
Checking out the time on my scroll it said that it was about 6 in the morning. Meaning at least a couple people were awake. I just hoped one of my friends could be counted in that bunch of early risers. The only way to find out would be to head to the cafeteria. Maybe get a second breakfast while I'm there. Can never go wrong with a second breakfast. Plus, I never did get to see what coffee does.
Decision made, I headed off the cafeteria. And while it was mostly empty, to my surprise, team RWBY sitting eating breakfast. So grabbing my tray and a cup of coffee. I sat down across from the team of females. "Well, hello there tall, blonde, and handsome. What's your name?" Yang said with a purr, and I chuckled as I forgot that my body has gone under some changes the past few days.
"The names Jaune Arc, short, sweet, rolls of the tongue, ladies love it." I finished with a smile.
Yang only blinking in response for a couple seconds before her mind caught up. "Wait Jaune?! Holy shit what happened to you?" She asked.
Getting a shrug in return, "I drank my milk."
+5 affiliation with Ruby (I'm laughing at Yang's Reaction. Not as much as I was laughing at your pain, though. - S)
"Hah! I knew it would do something!" Ruby yelled at Yang victoriously before immediately drinking her own cup of milk.
"So, Jaune what are you doing up so early?" Ruby asked, whipping away her milk mustache with a napkin provided by Weiss.
"Well, I just got done with some early morning training. So I plan on eating then heading to the gym to work out. Then head to a bookstore." I explained, as I saw Blakes bow twitch- which was kinda weird- At the mention of books.
Yang leaned forward to show her own interest. Though on books it was not. "Ooo, mind if I join you for a workout. Help waste the excess energy." She asked with a odd twinkle in her eyes, but I ignored the slightly worrying twinkle.
"Sure, as long as you agree to give some pointers on close quarters combat. Can't just depend on my weapons alone after all." I reasoned, and after Yang gave a look of 'I told you so' to Ruby, who gained a sudden new interest in her plate of bacon and eggs.
Before looking back at me with a smile. "You got yourself a date there Vomit boy. Meet you there in a few," Yang said as she picked up her empty plate and left with a wink.
Making my slightly red face a tad bit darker. Why, why did she have to use the word date? I mentally questioned. Fighting off the blush that came over me which was helped by a blue screen.
Affiliation Quest Received! A Yang of a time at the Gym!
A Yang of a time at the Gym
Quest Objective: Work out with Yang in the Gym and impress her.
Bonus Objective: Beat Yang in the Lift off
Rewards: +5 Affiliation with Yang, +500 Exp ?
Failure: No Exp, -5 Affiliation with Yang
Do you accept?
Y/N
Well, at least this one won't lead to my death… Hopefully. Clicking the yes button, I immediately dug into my food. Enjoying the nice 10% SP regen I got from it as I rushed off to the gym. Making a quick stop at my room to grab my workout clothes before quickly equipping it and walking into the Gym.
There I found her wearing a orange workout shirt and black training shorts. "Ah! There is the big man! You ready to start?" She asked and I smiled. "You bet! Mind if I go first? Want to see if I can break my old record." I asked and she nodded her head, making a grandiose bow to make way for the bench. Which received a chuckle from me as I set the weights in.
Putting at the total weight at one hundred and ten which so happened to be my old max, and so getting ready on the workbench and making sure my grip is right. I lifted the up the bar, only to find that it barely felt like anything, thus I went and added more weights, only to find that it barely felt like anything to. So I kept adding more weights.
Until I reached one hundred and eighty pounds. "Hey, care to spot me?" I asked Yang, who grinned mischievously.
"I already am," she teased, making me fight a small blush as she walked over and got into position. Nodding her head showing that she was ready as I lifted up the bar and almost immediately I felt the burn in my muscles. As I did a total of three sets out of eight, I noticed that my SP bar was almost out and I set the bar back.
Moving out of the way of Yang as I willed away the blue screen telling me that I had managed to increase my Str by one. "Not bad Vomit boy, now do you mind spotting me?" She asked as I saw that she had doubled the weights I had on. Meaning that she had a total weight of three hundred and sixty. And trying my best to not feel intimidated by the amount she could lift.
I got into position and nodded letting her know that I was ready and watched as she did the same three sets of eight as me. Before putting the bar back in place with a little bit of my help. "What's wrong Vomit Boy? Afraid you can't keep up?" She teased.
And I felt a spark ignite in me. "Oh it's on." I declared, and after helping her put the weights back in place. We then proceeded to have a 'Lift off'. As she called it as we used every single piece of equipment in the gym. Both trying to surpass the other. While Yang was certainly stronger than me, the good part about Gamer's body was the fact that my Str could be distributed everywhere or in one place at once, meaning that I basically had the same amount of strength around my whole body whereYang, did not. Instead, she had more focus on stuff that would increase her her punching power then anything. This let let me get a couple of wins in our 'lift off'.
After maybe three hours of it she was declared winner. But I had still gained an extra five in Str bringing me so much closer to fifty and a new skill as well, but as I said we were done lifting, Yang said that we still had a bit of CQC to do and she didn't want to waste all our energy before we could get to the fun part. Let it be noted that the way she had stated it made me feel really uncomfortable.
But that's besides the point as we were now standing in the middle of a boxing ring. "Now Vomit boy, have you ever been in a fist fight before?" She asked, and upon my shaking of the head. She sighed. "Alright, well slip into a stance that feels comfortable for you. And we will work from there." I did as was told and slipped into a stance I think I saw in a movie once.
And after fighting off the embarrassment I felt when Yang giggled in response. I then had to fight the blush that had plagued me throughout the day as Yang readjusted my position with her very much soft hands. No bad Jaune, focus on training. I chidded myself, and eventually Yang seemed satisfied, after Yang told me to bend my knees a bit more. And after giving a little test shove and I didn't wall down.
She gave a huff of satisfaction before standing in front of me. "Alright, well first of all. I don't think your kind of body would good for my style of boxing. Just too big for it, also you don't have my semblance. So i'll just teach you the basics and you can go from there. I bet that Ren guy on your team could help you out more. Seems like the type to know some martial arts." She said as she got in front of a punching bag near the back. "But one of the firsts thing you should know is how to throw a punch." She then punched the bag, causing it to sway heavily before she stopped it with her hand. "Now, I know it may look easy. But there is actually a lot to it. Come here." She gestured, and I followed as I went to the bag. "Punch the bag." She ordered and I followed as I wound up a punch and sent it straight into the bag only for it to not move an inch.
This caused me to frown. "Now I want you to punch the bag again, but this time in the stance you were in before. And remember to keep it straight." She ordered, and again I listened as I got into the stance and then unleashed the fist straight forward. And this time when the fist landed, the punching bag did actually move an inch. "See the difference?" She asked, and I nodded as she told me to practice hitting it for a couple more minutes. To which I did, feeling my body slowly get better at it until. I got a blue screen.
Congratulations! You have learned the skill Basic CQC!
Basic CQC (Level 1) {0%}- I punch good (You are able to perform basic CQC moves and unarmed attacks are 1% more effective.)
Smiling to myself, I looked over to Yang as she nodded her head in appreciation. "Not bad vomit boy. I must say I'm impressed. Why don't we do this again sometime?" She asked, and I nodded my head "Sure sounds great. And thanks for giving me some pointers. It really did help a lot." She just waved off my compliments, however, saying that it was no big deal.
And after saying goodbye as we walked out the gym before splitting off. Her going to her dorm to shower and take a nap. I started heading to the bookstore. Having no need to shower thanks to gamers body. So with just quick equipping of my clothes, I was greeted with a blue screen telling me that I had completed the quest.
And with that little extra pep in my step, I typed in directions for a nearby bookstore. The name Tuskons coming up and with that I headed off, earning another level in resistance thanks to the bullhead ride. And unlike the other times, I actually felt an improvement. As before it felt like my body wanted to regurgitate all my internal organs.
But now it felt more like it was just my stomach that wanted to leave my body. Still, it was more manageable than before, so I wasn't going to complain. And after a bit of walking after stepping out of the bullhead.
I came across a small little building with the name Tuskon's Book Trade on the sign in front of the door. After confirming that it was open, I stepped inside to where I found a tall man standing against a counter. "Hello there, may I help you with anything?"
"Yeah, do you have any fantasy books?" I asked and he pointed to a bunch of shelves with the word Fantasy on top. "Thanks," I said, a little embarrassed that I didn't notice it before. But he just waved it off, as I cast Insight. Looking for very specific books. Or skill books if you would and after quickly I was able to pick up five skill books that piqued my interest.
Bringing the books up, I winced as he told me the total was five hundred lien. But I did not feel comfortable with trying to haggle with him. Thus I just paid the money and left the store. Taking the books out one by one. Ancestral Howl, Arcane Lure, Blade Wave, and Arcane. Those are the five books I got now. But which one should I use first? I mean Blade Wave sounds pretty cool, and so does Arcane. But then again the other sound pretty cool too… Oh I got it! Eenie meenie miney- Thus after ending the playground rhyme. I landed on the book Arcane. Clicking the yes button to absorb it.
Lack the Requirements to absorb this book. Must have a min of 100 Wis and Int before learning Arcane.
Alright that sucks. How about Blade Wave?
Would you like to learn Blade Wave?
Y/N
Yes.
Congratulations! You have learned the skill Blade Wave!
Blade Wave (Level 1) {0%}- Now you can slice and dice from farther away {Shoot out a wave of energy that does the same damage as a regular attack} [200 AP]
Sweet! Alright Now let's try Arcane Lure!
Can only learn one Skill Book per day please come back in [23:59:57]
Aw well, that's going to be a hassle. But I guess it can't be helped. I'll just have to wait until tomorrow. Suddenly, as I finished that thought. I heard the sound of some man scream in pain. Before from an alleyway, a young goat faunus came rushing out, looking scared for his life as he looked behind him in a hurry.
Bumping into me as he wasn't paying attention. Making a small grunt as he fell to the floor. Before I could ask what was wrong. A shabby man, who looked very much drunk despite it being around ten in the morning holding his bleeding hand. "Hey, brat I'm going to make you pay for biting me." He snarled, as the kid quickly got up and hid behind my leg.
"Y-you were trying to hurt me!" The the little boy shouted back.
And I looked at the man back with cold eyes. "Is this true?" I asked.
The man's response was to try to spit in my face, though it didn't even reach halfway. "Damn right, the fucker deserves it to. Because of him and the white fang. My business went under. Just because I refused to serve those animals." He explained with venom with his voice.
"Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to leave this child alone," I ordered, the man's venomous stare shifting towards me.
"What? You an animal lover boy?" He asked, my response was to put my hand on my hilt. "I won't repeat myself," I stated, and now realizing the situation he was in.
He scoffed at me as he looked at the kid. "I'll pay you back for this kid." He threatened, the kid stuck his tongue out in response. And once the man was out of sight, the kid looked towards me. "Thanks mister! I wouldn't know what would have happened if you weren't here." He said with a big toothy smile, tho one or two were missing.
I just smiled. "It was no problem, do you have anywhere to stay?" I asked, concerned that the kid might live on the street. He just nodded and explained that he lived in an orphanage with a bunch of other kids. And after assuring me that knew how to get back without getting caught. I let him go, giving him some Lien as well.
"Why did you do that?" A familiar voice asked, and I spun around only to find to Blake staring at me. "Why did, you help that kid?" She asked again, and I just shrugged.
"I mean, why wouldn't I? He is a kid after all." I stated, and Blake looked at me with a stoic expression.
"And that fact that he was Faunus didn't matter?" She asked, and I just shook my head.
"Nope, the kid could have been part grimm for all I care. He needed help and so I helped him." I said, acting like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Why?" She continued to question.
And again I shrugged. "It's what we're training for, isn't it? To be heroes and help people." Blake was quiet before she shook her head saying something about 'naivety' and walked off.
+10 Affiliation with Blake.
Though something told me she didn't exactly mind.
Here we are folks! Chapter 8! Sorry it took so long to publish, but I actually forgot it was thanksgiving this week. So I had to spend my whole Thursday making meals. Now we have enough left over to last us the whole year. Anyways, I hoped you liked this chapter, I know I had fun writing it. Also, fun fact about me. I used my max for the starting weight during the lifting segment. Anyway, did you guys like it? Hate it? Leave me a review to let me know! Also don't forget to go to the polls! This is Journeymen signing off!
Seeing as how it was a major change, I think a Stats sheet is in order.
Class: Paladin
Main Title: The Pretender
Sub-title: Acolyte of Light
Level 28
Exp: 500/3900
HP: 9200/9200
AP: 4200/4200
SP: 1095/1095
Str: 46 (78)
Dex: 44 (66)
Vig: 92 (198)
Int: 62 (105)
Wis: 46 (69)
Luck: 1 (1) (I LAUGH AT YOUR PAIN! Also, I guarantee you're going to get kicked in the balls sometime soon - S. Oh wait. Jaune can't read this when it's at the credits. -S)
Chr: 74 (155)
Sap: 4
Skill Points: 1
~~Gamer's Mind (MAX)- You, my friend, are immune to being mind raped.
~~Gamer's Body (MAX)- Welp, There goes my arm! Oh, well, it'll come back with the HP I lost
~~Insight (Level 16) {35%}- You can see up to 50 levels above you, and can now see the quality of gear. As well as a quick background of things when casting Insight.
~~Aura (Rank 2)- All stats get a 50% boost
~~Detect Evil (Level 1) {98%}- Can detect a hostile presence within 10 meters. Range increases every level
~~Feather Fall (Level 2) {10%} - Can control your descent, control increases every level
~~Leadership (Level 5) {45%}- Gain a 5% bonus to Chr, and increase the chance people will follow you
~~Strategy (Level 8) {70%}- Able to make plans
~~ Cure Wounds- Can heal for 50hp [10 AP]
~~Acting (Level 6) {22%}- Able to put on an act to deceive people
~~Cooking (Level 42) {4%}- Able to make good food
~~Sprint- Doubles running speed [10 SP per sec]
~~Smooth Talker (Level 8) {10%}- Ability to talk your way out of situations
~~Precognition (Level 15) {64%}- Able to slow your perception of time to come up with multiple different strategies to defeat your opponent [Cost 100 MP]
~~Decipher (Rank 1)- Able to find the hidden meaning in anything
~~Shield Mastery (Level 16) {2%}- You are 16% more proficient in using shields
~~Sword Mastery (Level 11) {6%}- You are 11% more proficient with using swords
~~Shield Charge (Level 6) {12%}- Grabbing your shield with both hands, you charge at the opponent dazing them and have a 10% chance to knock them prone.
~~Shield Bash (Level 6) {22%}- When you bash someone with a shield perfectly when they try to attack you. You instead stun them for 10 seconds.
~~Resistance (Level 12) {5%}- As they say, what doesn't kill you makes stronger ( 1% resistance to diseases and poisons)
~~SP Regen (Level 8) {79%}- Your a lean mean...something (Regen 8SP per sec)
~~MP Regen (Level 6) {82%}- Now you can give heals more frequently (Regen 6MP per sec)
~~HP Regen (Level 6) {55%}- Now you can have an unlimited supply of regenerated arms! (Regen 6HP per sec)
Home Repair (Level 15) {55%}- 15% decrease in time to repair buildings.
~~Jump- You have a base Jump of ten feet that increases by one when both STR and DEX and adding Aura will increase jump height 10 ft pure Aura point.
~~Divine Smite- Add a 50% damage bonus for a single strike. And a 100% damage bonus against grimm. [150 AP]
~~Sundering Strike- Add a x2 modifier and have half all total damage go into an area effect damage [300 MP]
~~Minor Radiance- Glow a dim light for 15ft and give a 5% debuff to all grimm
~~Parry- Perform a perfect time parry and stun them allowing you to deal double damage for a short time [50 SP]
~~Juggernaut- Gain a 50% Bonus to defense when wearing full heavy armor.
~~Shield Wall- When Blocking, you can erect a shield of Aura giving a 50% bonus to Defense [200 Ap a sec]
~~Haggling (Rank 1)- Gain 5% better prices
~~Crafting Basic Wares (Rank 1)- Able to craft items of Low Quality or lower
~~Holy Ember (Level 2) {69%}- Can Deal 5-10 damage to Grimm or unholy beings per sec. Can be boosted with a holy symbol [10 AP a sec]
~~Absorption Shield- For every point of damage you take when this is active. You can instead transform it to HP for either you or your allies. [1 point of damage=1 AP]
~~Taunt (Level 2) {0%}- Able to distract enemies from your allies and instead have them focus on you. The better the taunt the better the chance
~~Aura Sense (Level 1) {82%}- Allows you to see things that are masked in Aura in a 10 meter radius
~~Free Running (Level 1) {54%}- You are able to run across different terrains much easier.
~~Crit Seeker- Hitting Vital spots with the intent to do kill will automatically let you crit
~~Blazing Smite- Your next strike does ten times your aura modifier damage while also doing another 50% fire damage. And if you kill a Grimm with this skill. It completely disintegrates them, not letting them respawn. [100 AP]
~~Leap (Level 1) {33%}- You can leap at least 10 feet and increase the distance by using MP
~~Disguise (Level 2) {55%}-Able to use a disguise to hide your identity.
~~Sneak (Rank 1)- You are able 10% more effective in sneaking.
~~Climbing (Level 12) {44%}- You 12% more effect at climbing things. And it reduces the cost by 12% [88 AP a sec]
~~Stealth Takedown- Able to take down opponents without making noise. {Must be actively in stealth} [50 SP]
~~Pain Tolerance (Level 1) {88%}- Masochist (Reduce all damage taken by 1%)
~~Divine Power (Rank 1)- All attacks now do an extra 10% holy damage
~~Second Wind (Rank 1)- When you get below half HP and/or SP you gain 20% back to each stat
~~Toughness (Rank 1)- +10 Vig
~~Healer's Power (Rank 1) Healing spells heal 10% more
~~Shockwave (Rank 1) Send out a Shockwave that can temporarily stun opponents. And deal a small amount of damage [50 AP, more if you charge it]
~~Basic CQC (Level 1) {0%} You are able to perform basic CQC moves and unarmed attacks are 1% more effective
~~Blade Wave (Level 1) {0%} Shootout a wave of energy that does the same damage as a regular attack [200 AP]
Affinity Chart
-Pyrrha Nikos 10 (Glad to have you as a partner) (.. We all know she thinks more. Wink. Did I just say Wink? Jesus christ, I'm turning into one of those 7 year olds. - S)
-Ruby Rose 36 (Likes that you to believe in the power of milk) (The power of calcium in our bones is stronk! - S)
-Nora 15 (Thinks you are cool) (This is my true favorite character. It's just funny saying, HAMMER TIME! -S)
-Ren 14 (Wants to get to know you better) (That sounds oddly suggestive. -S)
-Yang 19 (Fun to tease)
-Blake 20 (Likes that you are kind to Faunus) (Hey, furries! I love animals! … I'm not a furry -S)
-Weiss 6 (Finds you mildly annoying)
-Cardin -15 (Thinks you are pathetic) (Oi! Hypocrite! -S)
-Sky -5 (Following Cardin)
-Dove -5 (Following Cardin)
-Russel -5 (Following Cardin)
-Glynda 16 (Respects you as a student)
-Red Axe Gang 15 (Sees you as a new Blood)
-Junior 15 (Thinks you are a interesting asset)
-Vale Police 5 (Appreciate you tipping them off to the Yellow Snakes)
